#Le prime linee

[emjayewrites]

Sakura Dreams 🌸 🇯🇵 🗼Jules Kounde (1/6)

SYNOPSIS: It was supposed to be a guys trip to Japan after a disappointing ending to Euros, however, fate had another thing in mind.

PAIRINGS: Jules Koundé x fem!blackOC (Ayo Pratt) (faceclaim joie.ade)

WARNINGS: cursing, poor google translations, football b.s & drama, flirty!jules, eventual smut. MINORS DNI!!!

TAGLIST: @hopefulromantic1 @lettersofgold @sinflowersugar @mauvecherie-writes @queenshikongo3 @perfecttrashface @alika-4466 @cocobutterqwueen @peyiswriting @that-90s-girllll @leilaxaliel @serpenttines-library @certifiedlesbianbaddie @niahxo @julescpu @jack0357 @chaoticcoffeequeen @greedyjudge2 @yeea-nah @saturnville @taytropicana @trentswrld @cranberryjulce @vile-harlot @2serenity0

A/N: Jules is in Japan, so of course I had to make a short series about it. Also, if you're a Jules girl, please let me know and I'll tag you in more chapters.

The humid air of Tokyo hit Jules like a wall as he stepped off the plane, his muscles aching from the 13-hour flight. Narita International Airport buzzed with activity, a cacophony of announcements in Japanese and English filling the air. Jules popped a cherry dum dum in his mouth, the sweet flavor a small comfort as he trudged alongside his friends Wilhelm, AK, and his half-brother Nicholas towards baggage claim, navigating through the sea of travelers.

"Yo, ce décalage horaire n'est pas une blague (Yo, this jet lag is no joke)," Nicholas grumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"C’est vrai (Facts)," Wilhelm agreed, stifling a yawn.

As they collected their luggage and made their way to the hotel shuttle, Jules couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement beneath the exhaustion. This trip was meant to be a distraction, a way to shake off the disappointment of the Euros and clear his head before the upcoming season with FC Barcelona.

The thought of training camp loomed in the back of his mind. Jules silently prayed for an injury-free season, where he could continue to prove himself and silence the doubters. But for now, he pushed those worries aside. It was time to live in the moment.

The shuttle wound its way through Tokyo's neon-lit streets, skyscrapers towering above them. Jules pressed his forehead against the cool window, watching as businessmen in crisp suits hurried past izakayas and pachinko parlors. The city was a mesmerizing blend of tradition and modernity, and Jules found himself eager to explore.

"Tu penses qu'on aura le temps de visiter les temples? (Do you think we'll have time to visit the temples?)," AK asked, his eyes wide as he took in the city.

"Bien sûr (Of course)," Jules replied. "Nous avons deux semaines (We have two weeks)."

Their hotel, a gleaming high-rise in the trendy Shibuya district, loomed before them. The lobby was a vision of minimalist luxury, all sleek lines and soft lighting. As they approached the check-in counter, dragging their suitcases behind them, Jules's attention was immediately captured by a group of women ahead of them in line.

"Merde (Fuck)," he muttered under his breath, the dum dum stick moving to the corner of his mouth.

There were four of them, all stunning in their own right. But one, in particular, caught his eye. She was fine as hell, with curves that reminded him of Pam Grier in her prime, and her skin was a deep, rich cocoa. Jules's eyes traveled up to her full, pouty lips, currently curved in laughter at something her friend had said. She wore her natural hair in two perfect puffs, giving her this effortless 90s vibe that he found irresistible.

Once the girls finished checking in, Jules couldn't help but notice the others as well. One rocked long braids that cascaded down her back, another sported a short curly style with faded sides that highlighted her cheekbones, and the third had a blonde weave that caught the light as she moved.

"Ce sont tous fraîches (They're all baddies)," AK whispered, nudging Jules.

Jules nodded, his eyes still fixed on the girl with the puffs. There was something about her, an energy that drew him in. As the group of women headed towards the elevators, she turned, and their eyes met. She flashed him a bright smile that made his heart skip a beat, just as the elevator doors closed.

"Jules!" Wilhelm's voice snapped him out of his trance.

"Hein? Quoi? (Huh? What?)"

Wilhelm rolled his eyes. "Ton passeport, mec. La réceptionniste en a besoin (Your passport, man. The receptionist needs it)."

"Ah, oui, bien sûr (Oh, yeah, of course)." Jules fumbled for his passport, his mind still on the mystery girl's smile.

They checked in, and Jules couldn't shake the feeling that this trip might turn out to be more interesting than he'd anticipated.

"On est à quel étage? (What floor are we on?)" Wilhelm asked as they headed to the elevators.

"Le quinzième (Fifteenth)," Nicholas replied, studying the key cards.

As the elevator doors closed, Jules found himself hoping he'd run into the girl with the puffs again. Tokyo was a big city, but stranger things had happened. With a grin, he chewed on the dum dum in his mouth. This vacation was already looking up.

Ayo stepped into the luxurious suite, her eyes widening as she took in the panoramic view of Tokyo's skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. The city sprawled before them, a mesmerizing tapestry of lights against the darkening sky.

"Damn, this is bougie as hell!" Nikki exclaimed, her long braids swinging as she spun around the spacious living area.

Gigi ran her hand through her blonde weave as she glanced at the sleek furniture. "One Management really hooked us up."

"They better have," Nikki chimed in. "Our girl's about to take over the modeling world."

Ayo smiled modestly, still processing the whirlwind of the past few months. She had recently signed with One Management, a top-tier agency with offices across Europe, Asia, and the US. This trip to Tokyo was a gift from her friends and newest management team, a last hurrah before she moved from New York to London to further her blossoming career.

Symone, sporting a chic short hairstyle with faded sides, squeezed her shoulder. "After that Savage X Fenty show? Girl, the world is your oyster."

Ayo's recent success modeling for Rihanna's lingerie line had catapulted her into a new echelon of the fashion world. It was surreal, exciting, and more than a little terrifying.

"This trip is exactly what I needed before the big move," Ayo said, gratitude welling up in her chest as she looked at her friends. "Thank you guys, seriously."

Symone then made a beeline for the mini-bar. "Girls, we need to celebrate! Shots?"

Ayo chuckled, shaking her head. "Sy, it's barely 6 PM, and we're exhausted from the flight."

"Come on, just one!" Symone pleaded, already pulling out a bottle of Johnny Walker.

Gigi yawned dramatically. "Count me out. I need a nap before dinner."

"Same here," Nikki agreed. "What's the plan for food anyway?"

They quickly decided to eat at the hotel restaurant for their first night, too tired to venture out into the city just yet.

As Gigi and Nikki retreated to their rooms, Ayo found herself drawn back to the window. Her mind wandered to the cute guy with dreads she'd spotted in the lobby. There was something about him…

"Earth to Ayo!" Symone's voice snapped her out of her reverie. "Shot time, bitch!"

Ayo laughed, accepting the glass. "That's my girl," Symone grinned, sticking out her tongue.

They clinked glasses and downed the whiskey, the burn a welcome distraction from Ayo's jet lag. As they settled onto the plush couch, Symone's eyes welled up unexpectedly.

"Who would've thought four girls from Jersey would end up in Tokyo?" she mused, her voice thick with emotion.

Ayo nudged her playfully. "You say that every trip, SySy."

"Because it's true!" Symone insisted, pouring another round. "I'm just… I'm gonna miss you, you know?"

"Oh, SySy," Ayo crooned, wrapping her friend in a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you too."

Symone sniffled, trying to lighten the mood. "You just had to go to boring-ass London, huh? Old 'God save the King' ass…"

Ayo rolled her eyes affectionately, well-versed in Symone's habit of using humor to deflect her true feelings. They chatted for a while longer, reminiscing about their journey from New Jersey to this moment.

Eventually, Symone yawned. "Alright, I need a power nap before dinner. Don't let me sleep too long!"

As Symone disappeared into her room, Ayo's phone buzzed. She sighed heavily when she saw the name: Jamaal. Her ex, who never seemed to get the hint. Without reading it, she deleted the text.

"Leave the past in the past," she murmured, taking one last shot. It was time to focus on her future – London, One Management, and all the possibilities that lay ahead.

With that thought, Ayo made her way to her bedroom. She barely registered the decor before collapsing face-first onto the plush bed, letting the exhaustion of travel and the warmth of whiskey lull her into a much-needed nap.

A couple of hours later, the girls emerged from their rooms, dressed for dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Ayo wore a sleek black slip dress that hugged her curves, paired with strappy heels. Symone rocked a vibrant yellow pantsuit that complemented her short, faded hairstyle. Gigi opted for a flowy floral maxi dress, her blonde weave styled in loose waves. Nikki chose a chic off-shoulder jumpsuit, her braids swept into an elegant updo.

As they approached the restaurant, they paused to admire its exterior. The design seamlessly blended modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese elements, creating an inviting atmosphere.

"We need a group selfie!" Symone declared excitedly.

Being the tallest, Ayo extended her arm to take the photos. They huddled together, striking poses and laughing. After a few attempts, they scrutinized the results, each finding something to critique.

"Let's try one more," Gigi suggested.

As Ayo prepared to take another shot, a slightly deep voice with a heavy accent called out, "Would you like me to take the photo instead?"

The girls turned towards the voice, and Ayo's breath caught in her throat. It was the guy from the lobby earlier. He was even more striking up close. His dreads were neatly styled, and he wore a Versace button-down with a few buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest and a gold Cuban link chain. His feet were adorned with stylish huaraches. The scent of his cologne wafted over, a intoxicating mix of citrus and wood.

"Damn, he fine as fuck," Symone muttered, not quite under her breath.

The corners of his mouth quirked up, clearly having heard Symone's not-so-discreet comment.

"Sure," Ayo said softly, handing him her phone.

He instructed the girls on how to pose, squatting down to capture different angles. Ayo couldn't help but notice his friends behind him - all different shades of brown, with fresh haircuts and equally stylish outfits.

After taking several photos, he handed the phone back to Ayo with a smile. The girls crowded around, nodding in approval at the results.

"Are they good?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you," Ayo replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

He nodded and rejoined his friends, heading into the restaurant.

"Ooh! He was feeling you," Gigi drawled, fanning herself. "That is a man, Savannah!"

The others laughed in agreement.

"Girl, you neva lied!" Symone concurred. "He a sexy little croissant, huh?" she teased in a fake French accent.

Ayo shook her head, laughing despite herself.

"And he had them eyes for you, Ayo," Nikki added.

"What? No, he didn't," Ayo protested.

"Yes, he did," her friends chorused as they entered the restaurant.

They spotted the guys waiting on a bench as Ayo approached the maître d' to check in.

"Good evening, how many in your party?" the maître d' asked politely.

"Four, please," Ayo replied.

The maître d' checked the reservation list and frowned slightly. "I'm afraid there's a bit of a wait. We have a group of four ahead of you, and it will be about an hour and a half before we can seat you."

Ayo's eyes widened in shock. "An hour and a half?" she repeated, her voice rising slightly.

She turned back to her friends, who were waiting expectantly.

"Girls, we've got a problem," Ayo said, rejoining the group. "They're saying it's going to be a 90-minute wait."

"What?" Symone exclaimed. "Are you serious?"

Gigi groaned. "I'm starving already. I can't wait that long."

Nikki shook her head in disbelief. "There's got to be another option, right?"

One of the guys from the other group - dark-skinned with a faded curly high-top and also sporting a French accent - approached them. "Would you like to get a table together?" he offered.

"Sure!" Symone replied, perhaps too eagerly.

The guy then went over to the maître d'. "Excuse me, do you have a table for eight available?"

The maître d' checked his list and nodded. "Yes, we do. Would you like to be seated now?"

"Oui," he replied with a smile.

The maître d' gathered menus and gestured for the group to follow. "Right this way, please."

As they walked, one of the guys – the one with dreads who had taken their photo – motioned to the girls. "After you, madames," he said with a slight bow and a charming smile.

The girls exchanged excited glances as they followed the maître d', with the guys trailing behind.

"Here we are," the maître d' announced, stopping at a large, circular table. "Your server will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal."

As they settled into their seats, Ayo found herself next to the dreaded Adonis. Her heart skipped a beat as she caught another whiff of his intoxicating cologne.

"I hope you don't mind us crashing your dinner," he said softly, his accent making the words sound like music.

Ayo smiled, trying to keep her composure. "Not at all. Thanks for the save."

As the rest of the group got comfortable, Ayo silently prayed that her friends – especially Symone – wouldn't embarrass her too much during dinner. But judging by the mischievous glint in Symone's eye from across the table, Ayo knew she was in for an interesting evening.

The group settled in, perusing their menus in comfortable silence. After a few moments, the guy with the faded curly high-top, spoke up.

"Maybe we should introduce ourselves properly. I'm AK," he said with a warm smile.

The tawny-toned guy with the tapered 'fro nodded. "Wilhelm."

"Nicholas," added the dark-skinned guy with the lowcut fade.

"And I'm Jules," said the cutie with the dreads next to Ayo.

The girls followed suit, each introducing themselves in turn.

As they finished, a waiter approached. "Good evening. May I take your drink order?"

Symone piped up immediately. "We'll have sake for the table, please!"

Half the girls groaned in unison. Nikki shot Symone a look. "Girl, are you trying to get us all fucked up?"

Symone pointed to herself innocently, while Gigi gave her a knowing look. The guys chuckled, exchanging comments in French.

Nikki glanced at each of them. "Hey, hey, none of that oui oui stuff, alright? English only."

Nicholas put up his hands in mock defense. "Damn, baby girl, we don't want no smoke."

Nikki gave him a flirtatious smile in response, and Ayo stared at Gigi in a silent plea to watch her cousin. Nikki was known for being a bit... frisky. If Symone was the loudmouth of the group, Nikki was the self-proclaimed "hoe" - and they meant that with all due respect.

The waiter continued taking orders. Jules requested a rum and coke, his accent making Ayo shiver slightly. She ordered a vodka, lime, and soda water.

Ayo felt Jules' arm rest at the back of her seat, his fingers lightly touching the exposed skin of her neck. "Is this okay?" he asked softly.

"Y-yeah, sure," she managed to reply.

As they waited for their drinks, the conversation flowed. The guys asked what brought the girls to Tokyo, and they explained Ayo's modeling career and celebrating her recent signing to a new management agency.

"Savage X Fenty? That's impressive," Wilhelm said. "Did you meet Rihanna?"

Ayo nodded. "Yeah, I met the whole fam, including A$AP Rocky and their two little ones. The kids are adorable, and Rihanna's really nice."

Nikki chimed in, "Rihanna even follows Ayo on Insta."

The guys' eyebrows raised in admiration.

Symone turned the question back on them. "What about you guys? What brings you to Tokyo?"

The men exchanged glances before AK answered, "It's a guys' trip before work makes us all busy again." They seemed reluctant to elaborate, and the girls didn't push further.

The waiter returned with their drinks, including a large bottle of sake. With practiced precision, he began the traditional sake pouring ceremony. He held the tokkuri (sake bottle) with both hands, turning it slightly as he poured into each person's ochoko (small sake cup). The liquid flowed smoothly, filling each cup precisely to the brim without spilling a drop.

As the waiter finished pouring, he took their food orders. They chose a mix of family-style dishes to share and individual entrees. Ayo ordered the miso-glazed black cod, while Jules opted for the wagyu beef teppanyaki. The table also agreed on an assortment of sushi rolls, tempura, and a large bowl of ramen to share.

Jules' arm tightened around the back of Ayo's seat, and he leaned closer to her. Symone caught Ayo's eye from across the table, mouthing "Get it!" with a suggestive waggle of her eyebrows. Ayo immediately shook her head, inwardly reminding herself that the last thing she needed was to end up with a guy on this trip. That was more Nikki's style, and besides, even though they were sharing a meal, these guys were still strangers.

The waiter approached their table once more, arms laden with steaming dishes. "Pardon me, your meals are ready."

He began setting down the plates, announcing each dish as he placed them on the table. "Miso-glazed black cod for the lady, wagyu beef teppanyaki for the gentleman. And here are your shared dishes: assorted sushi rolls, tempura, and a large bowl of ramen."

The group's eyes widened at the sight and aroma of the food. "This looks amazing," Ayo breathed, picking up her chopsticks.

They began to dig in and the conversation turned to their plans for the next couple of weeks.

Nicholas swallowed a bite of sushi before speaking. "So, what's on your itinerary while you're here?"

Symone counted off on her fingers. "Well, we're doing Tokyo for a few days, then Kyoto, and finishing up in Osaka."

"No way," Nicholas replied, his eyebrows raised. "That's pretty much exactly what we're doing too."

Gigi's eyes lit up. "We should totally link up again! Since we're headed to the same places and all."

Wilhelm nodded enthusiastically, pausing from his tempura. "That's not a bad idea at all. What do you guys think?"

"I'm down," AK chimed in. "It'd be cool to explore with some new friends."

Jules smiled, his eyes lingering on Ayo. "Sounds good to me. I'd like to get to know you all a bit better." As he spoke, his tongue darted out to lick his top lip seductively.

Ayo felt her cheeks warm, and she quickly took a sip of her drink to hide her reaction. "Yeah, that could be fun," she managed to say, trying to keep her voice steady.

Suddenly, a buzz in Ayo's lap made her jump slightly. She glanced down at her phone to see a text in their group chat from Symone: "BIIIIIITTTTTTTCCCCCCCCHHHHHH!"

Another message quickly followed from Nikki: "Jules wants to eat you up like a creme brulee. Give that nigga a bite, sis! 😉"

Ayo shook her head, choosing not to reply to the thread. Her mind was racing. She knew she shouldn't do anything with Jules, but the way he occasionally caressed her skin, his intense stares, and those full lips he kept licking were seriously testing her resolve. She reminded herself that the least of her worries should be surrounding men; she needed to focus on her move to London and securing her bag.

As they continued eating, the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and casual flirtation. Jules and Ayo found themselves engrossed in their own private conversation.

"So, London, huh?" Jules murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "That's quite a change from New York."

Ayo nodded, trying to ignore the shiver that ran down her spine. "Yeah, it's a big move. But it's an amazing opportunity for my career."

"I'm sure you'll take London by storm," he said, his fingers tracing light patterns on her shoulder. "They won't know what hit them."

Ayo laughed softly, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. "We'll see about that. What about you? What do you do?"

Jules hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm in sports."

"Oh?" Ayo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind?"

A small smile played on his lips. "Football."

Ayo's eyes widened slightly. She might not follow European football closely, but even she knew that was a big deal. "Wow, that's impressive."

There was still a bit of mystery beyond his answer, but Ayo still found herself increasingly drawn to Jules. His charm was undeniable, and the way he looked at her made her feel like the only person in the room, but a small voice in the back of her mind kept reminding her of her goals, her impending move, and the complications that could arise from a vacation fling. However, she couldn't help but wonder what might happen if she allowed herself to give in to the temptation sitting right next to her. Jesus knows that it's been too long since she was physical with a man, and her rose toy needed a break.

Fuck me.

This was going to be a long ass two weeks.

After dinner, Jules settled the bill and the group hailed a taxi to head to a nearby club. This wasn't just any taxi—it was one of those karaoke taxis, complete with neon lights and a vibrant interior. The seats were plush, covered in shiny, colorful fabric that reflected the pulsating lights. Microphones hung from the ceiling, ready for an impromptu performance, and small screens displayed lyrics. Jules and Ayo squeezed into the very back seat, their bodies pressed close in the tight space.

Gigi and Symone began belting out Muni Long's "Made for Me," their off-key voices filling the cab.

"Twin… where have you been? Nobody loves me like you do…"

Nikki groaned, "I didn't come to Tokyo for this sad shit. Driver, can you play something else?"

The driver responded in broken English, "You like Megan Thee Stallion?"

A chorus of enthusiastic "Hell yes!" and "Yeah!" erupted from the girls. The driver grinned and switched the music, blasting Megan Thee Stallion's latest hits. Symone and Gigi immediately started twerking, teasing the guys to turn up. The guys laughed, hyping them up and taking their phones out to record the antics. Jules shook his head in mock disappointment, but his eyes were full of amusement.

When they finally made it to the club, AK tipped the driver generously before Jules covered their entrance fee. Inside, pulsing lights and thumping bass greeted them. They secured a small booth, and a server quickly approached to take their drink orders. Jules ordered a round for the table.

Jules found himself having a great time, but his attention kept drifting to Ayo. He loved the way her name felt on his tongue, and he couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked. The flirting at dinner had left him wanting more, her scent and their brief touches lingering in his mind.

Taking a big swig of his drink, Jules leaned closer to Ayo. "Are you having fun?" he asked.

She nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I am."

"You seem like the quieter one in your group. Am I right?"Ayo nodded again, and Jules chuckled. "Same here with my friends. Don't worry, I'll do the talking for both of us."

Ayo giggled at that, and Jules felt a warmth spread through his chest at the sound. He winked at her, enjoying their growing connection and the easy rapport between them.

The music shifted from the heavy bass of a hip-hop song to the smooth, infectious rhythm of Afrobeats. Jules inclined his head towards the semi-filled dance floor. "Do you want to dance with me?"

"Huh?" Ayo said, surprised.

"Dance? With me?" Jules repeated.

Ayo hesitated. "No."

"Please?" he pleaded, giving her a puppy dog look. "Here, take a shot to take the edge off," he said, pouring her a shot.

Ayo accepted the shot tentatively, then shrugged and downed it quickly. She grimaced as the alcohol burned its way down, and Jules chuckled lightly. "C'mon, ma belle," he coaxed, leading her to the dance floor.

"C'est parti, Jules! (Here we go, Jules!)" Nicholas commented, patting Jules on the back as he led Ayo to the middle of the dance floor. Jules gestured with his finger for her to turn around. Ayo did as instructed, feeling Jules's front flush against her back, his hips moving into a slow wine, tempting her to do the same with her hips.

"Fuck," he murmured in her ear, his whiskey-scented breath teasing her and making her arousal grow. "You're so sexy, Ayo."

Ayo smiled as his hands on her waist tightened and his hips ground harder against her, allowing her to feel his hardened dick at the crack of her ass. Jules inwardly hissed at the friction, taking a deep inhale of her scent as they moved to the beat.

He was hard beyond measure, his length straining against the confines and his pant's zipper and all he yearned for was to be buried to the hilt inside of her. After tonight, Jules knew it would be hard not to want her. He affirmed to himself that a little vacation fling was exactly what he needed before the season started.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[s-4pphics]

moth. (e.w.)

Protected by the Crest. Guarded by light. 

𝓟𝓡𝓞𝓛𝓞𝓖𝓤𝓔

SYNOPSIS: knights of the devil, you all are to be conquered. 

WORD COUNT: 2.2k

WARNINGS: vampire!ellie, vampirekiller!oc, a lot to come FUCK, violence… so blood(drinking), death, murder, gore, suicide, religion briefly, cult-ish bindings, ellie's coven is so cunt, mentions of witchcraft, future tags: hypnosis, abducting, crazy smut

teaser.

1927

Dawn. Combat. Nightfall. Rest. 

Dawn. Combat. Nightfall. Rest. 

The cycle formed over the last decade has revolutionized you. It is all you know; the only remainder of solace you have in this dastard domain. The older you've grown, the more burials you attend. For strangers, for comrades. For children who have been brutalized and left to rot like swine. All enacted by the Devils that lurk in darkness. Radicalization overcame your senses; first writhed beneath your bones at the age of thirteen when intent to kill the Earth’s torturers flourished within you. Welcomed your stout standing with an offered, sharply angled wood. You have read. You have fought. You have been scarred and beaten bloody by the Overseers; suffered numerous nights of unrest due to the wails of your comrades under their scrutiny. 

Another burial, another Overseer. A prime Hunter that controls your underground dominion, trapped trenches below civilization that beam with only candlelight and the creeping rays of the flaming sun.

Protected by the Crest. Guarded by light. 

The lines you march alongside your comrades are congruous; heads covered with black hoods, dozens of silver-soled heels echoing against the tunnel walls. Not one Hunter out of place. Gruesome symmetry. The narrow halls of the tunnel spread into a perfect sphere near its end. Hunters due their promotion disperse along the widening space, encircling the flaming Crest in the center of the chamber. Both rows of teeth are inseparable; a dull ache in your jaw. 

Your heartbeat is reminiscent of drums. Each step is calculated. A second of delay, and… your brain cannot fathom the consequences. 

Rows of comrades enclose and tighten, standing strong before the risen floors where the Overseers inspect their battalion, hoods removed and insignia burning through their black capes. You sneak glances at them despite the rules of a downcast gaze in their presence; no longer than a second. Their years of battle have overtaken their appearance; gray drapes of wool that cascade their shoulders, creases by the eyes and mouth, hands that tremor. 

“Rise.” 

Necks crane until straightened. Palms raise for the Uncovering, hoods pushed until they lay flat at the peak of spines. The first time your heads have seen the unnatural light of the underground. Your Overseer from your recruitment has been replaced with anew; woman, tall and eyes as kind as a doe, but just as ruthless, just as conniving as he. Her lips spread around her white teeth, somehow more venomous than the ghouls that taunt the lands. 

“Welcome to the commencement of our Prodigies.” 

Despite you being only three rows from the raised platform, the Overseer sounds miles away. The rushing in your ears; the thumping in your chest is intruding. 

“You are all here to be recognized for your efforts. You should be proud of choosing the path of righteousness. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and today marks the finality of your attainment.” 

“We bless you all with our thanks. For this night embarks society’s next generation of Hunters. You have all accepted your duty as a protector. A leader. A virtuous soldier for our Lord.” 

“The battle against Demons will be unkind… Many will be lost, but after years of sacrifice, use this night as a celebration of your bravery…” 

Silence. Then a seized breath. Faulting from an Overseer is unforeseen. 

“It may be your last chance to witness a night of peace… Of unity.” 

Her sudden somber timbre jostles your comrades, backs stiffened under their cloaks. Empathy: considered a display of weakness from your leaders. 

The winds of the tunnel shifted, aimed to suffocate. 

“Live as kings for this last night. Eat, drink… dance if you must. Because come dawn, you will abandon comfort, and return to the higher lands where anguish awaits.” 

One overseer, the man closest to the orator, extends a black, velvet pillow to her. A silver chain dangles from her wrinkled hands; a Hunters pendant, bordering a lit flame. 

“As the world’s Hunters, you will be honored with our sanctuary’s Crest. This will be your protection against the Lustful… They have demonstrated a great deal of power as they develop… Their spread is alarming… To even us.” 

“Do not fall victim to their allure. Their only desire is our demise. Deceit is their only weapon… But it will never compare to the light in your hearts.” 

Rumors have spread through the training grounds; ones of Hunters, Overseers, being blinded by their darkest desires. Controlled by the Devil’s knights to turn against each other. Entranced by pleasure, by riches. By immortality. Their desperation of becoming the rulers of society, tyrants of the land, past the seas… Brought them to their end. Many believed they were created to birth disarray — distrust between comrades. You, still, are not sure what to believe. 

“… All of your souls are blessed… Even in death.” 

Your palm rests over your pounding heart in oath recitation, promising to die for the cause of freedom. For humanity. The remainder of the ceremony hazes as cloaked patrons emerge from the depths of the cave as the Overseers disperse, dressing prideful Hunters with their pendants. They hang perfectly at the center of the sternum, the flames roaring the closer it lays to the heart. 

Your eyes do not wither from the ground, even with the silver shoes before you that penetrate the dirt. An Overseer is not often chosen to promote a Hunter, but she — the orator — blesses you. The heft of your pendant weighs heavy on your shoulders. You sigh a breath of relief at the glow behind metal. 

“Protected by the Crest. Guarded by light.” You say, dismissing your shock with a hand on your chest.

“Guarded, you are…” 

Her declaration is barely a whisper. She pauses, trembling pupils entangled with the glow of your chain, hypnotized by its glimmer. 

“Child.” 

You remain indifferent at her condemnation, against the gulp from your throat. She inspects your stance with the strength of a stalking lion before vanishing, cape gusting up dryness from below. 

“Someone’s special.” 

A hushed snark airs from behind you. Made to be a laughingstock for your comrades once again. But you are not 13. All naivety has been torn from your consciousness, and your vacancies are filled with revenge. 

The cave, for the first time since your recruitment, is undisciplined. Bass from the celebratory drums. Laughter… Laughter from your comrades, Overseers, patrons you recall from passing as they cheers with the finest wine. Intimidation and constraint are no longer. And still, you take no part in true fellowship. Jollity is forbidden. Leisure is forbidden. Benevolence is forbidden. You, and others amongst —children— were trained to hunt. To slain those who left the world in shatters. A morphed weapon of justice.

A laid hand on your shoulder makes you jolt, left frozen when you're met with the orator from the commencement. 

Come, she whispers, and you follow her path through the tunnels of the cave. She retrieves a lantern from the cavity floors and leads you to its corners, deep and untouched. Never once have you seen an Overseer smile, but she is. A pitiful one. 

“Why do you worry, Child?” 

“I do not worry,” You bite more than needed, “And I am not a child.” 

She takes no offense, “Pardon me. Why do you worry, Hunter?” Her tone is mocking, and your blood churns. 

One slip of tongue could earn a blade in your chest. You self-soothe with the foggy air expanding in your lungs. Your agitation calms, only briefly. 

“I do not worry,” Easier on the ears, “I am believed to be more than prepared—“

“There is no preparation against the Devils.” The hiss of a viper, her mouth turned down in dissatisfaction of your attitude. Your brows pinch. 

“Why have you brought me here?” 

Her chest rises and falls and her hands interlock. 

“Do you know your history, Hunter?” 

“It is all I’ve ever known, Master.” You retort with similar irreverence.

“Not the history of the Devils, you imbecile. You. Do you know of your lineage?” 

Your head rattles, “Surely not… A-All outside knowledge of history is forbidden. That is all we’ve ever been taught—“

“Shame on your mother for leaving you useless.” 

Her slander resonates through the tunnel and your conscience dissolves. The blade you always wield in your sheath presses against the throat of your superior, indented around the aged skin.

“I did not follow you to be defamed,” You rebuke with bared teeth, “Do not speak of my mother.” 

“What spirit…” Others would not blink twice at the mention of their family, dead or alive. 

“The Devils starve, Child.” She whispers. 

“What.” 

“They starve… Desperation grows within them as they migrate. They kill anything they can.” Distress grows in her face as she blathers. “Black magic. I have seen its bounds before my eyes. They have tormented and feasted on the blood of your ancestors! The controller of all Devils… She waits to enslave the last of your name—“

“I HAVE NO NAME!” 

Why must she lie? Why are you only hearing of this now? She lies. A shout that cracks through the underground. 

“Your lineage is most susceptible to the curse! You…” 

Tears hang from your lashes before splintering your cheeks. Panic-struck heaves hit your leader’s, her flyways brushing against her nose.

“They’ll torture you, Child.”

Sympathy. Survival. There is no difference. 

“What does it matter?” You whisper painfully, and your blade drops to your side, weeps unmasked. “So many have died before me. I-I do—“

“Your mother was one of us.”

Her wails are quiet and urgent.

“Ask… pray for her guidance.” 

“Mas—“

The Overseer advantages the weakness of your wrist; snags your blade from between your fingertips and glides the edge across her jugular, maroon coating her hands as she chokes on her own blood, her eyes glazing as she slides down the wall. You holler, knees weakening when her gargling form collapses into your arms. Life drains from her eyes with every exclamation you throw to the Heavens. You shout for help, but the depths are too narrow. 

No one comes. 

-

-

-

You, by the grace of your Lord, somehow managed to flee the concaves without being spotted by your commune, cloak submerged in blood that is masked by its darkness. Anxiety forged in the pit of your stomach; unable to return to your base for the last peaceful rest, you ran. You cowered. Just when you believed it was out of your nature. 

An Overseer committed suicide, and you were the only witness. 

You went to your chambers after the accident—warning? — stuffed what you could into your satchel, and escaped the iron gates of your former home. Scaled them like a rabid hyena until your bandaged soles combined with tall greenery. The scene of never-ending land doesn’t ease your nerves, but you sprint until your lungs burn and your legs give out. 

Your path is blind, but your end is near. 

All fingers point at you. 

The greatest form of betrayal. 

The lifeblood of the wealthy always curdles: from concealed shame. From ego. From both; It always leaves a sour film over her tongue. Despairing times. The rosewood floors are bathed in red as the last breaths of her victim shake through her bedroom. A beautiful one, she was; dressed in skirts and stockings that ripped at the lightest touch. 

Blood drips down from Ellie’s mouth to the collar of her unbuttoned shirt, stains seeping into the crew of her undershirt. Barely any effort was needed to lure them all in. Desperation makes obscenity much sweeter. 

A knock erupts from the other side of her door before a sugary utterance echoes, “May I come in?” 

Ellie scoffs at the pester. 

“You may…” She replies.

The door opens, and she’s met with soft eyes twinkling with brown and burgundy. 

Her brow arches, “Not.” She concludes.

The raven-haired girl squints playfully and shuts the door behind her, “Hush, now,” Her strides are strong and assertive, puddles of red soaking the bottom of her heels. 

“Quite the mess,” she mutters at the scene with an upturned nose, “It smells.” 

“Who am I to complain?” 

“The only one that complains,” Her soft hands land on Ellie’s shoulders, and she sighs, taking in the worn appearance of her partner: under eyes darkened and sunk in, dry lips, voice hoarse.

“I bare news.” Dina whispers. 

Ellie curls a tweel of black hair around her finger, “Hm?” 

Dina leans in close, arms locking around the back of her lover’s neck, lips brushing Ellie’s ear. 

“Our little flower is on the loose.” 

Ellie’s body locks, and pressure grows in her fangs. “Liar.” She gasps.

“Nuh uh,” A kiss is planted to the corner of her stained mouth, “Word is she’s fled the sanctuary. Searches are apparently ongoing.” 

“Where.” Ellie presses. 

“Not sure… I came to ask if we should plan for her… arrival while the ladies are away.” Dina suggests with a conniving smirk. 

Ellie’s lips curl dangerously around her sharp teeth, a blinding white. She lifts her darling off the ground, spinning her in celebration as she squeals, droplets of evidence seeping deeper into the floorboards. 

“Absolutely.” 

wittle taglist :3 HIII DEAR: @elliewilliamsblunt

[lostaff]

Ch-ch-changes

🌟 Novità

Le prime impostazioni per le Community sono finalmente disponibili. Gli amministratori possono modificare il nome, la tagline, l'avatar, l'immagine dell'intestazione, i tag e la descrizione. Trovi link a queste impostazioni nella barra laterale della tua Community su desktop o nel menu contestuale su dispositivo mobile.

Il popup degli inviti alla Community ha un nuovo aspetto e ora include un contatore del numero di inviti rimasti.

Nell’intestazione delle Community ora puoi vedere se sono pubbliche o private.

Gli amministratori della Community possono ora promuovere i membri a moderatori. I moderatori possono cancellare i messaggi e la funzione è ancora in fase di sviluppo, quindi può cambiare nelle prossime settimane!

Abbiamo aggiornato l'endpoint dell'API dei post del blog (EN) così da aggiungere opzioni per specificare un ordine e un orario "dopo", a complemento dell'attuale opzione che consente di mostrare i post "prima" di un determinato orario. Se si utilizza l'opzione "prima" e per impostazione predefinita, i post vengono ordinati in ordine cronologico inverso, ovvero decrescente. Con "after" e "sort = asc", invece, puoi ordinare i post dal più vecchio al più recente, a partire da un certo orario.

🛠 Correzioni

Poiché i blog secondari non possono ancora pubblicare sulle Community, sarà sempre selezionato il tuo blog principale quando pubblichi sulle Community.

Alcune attività provenienti dalle Community, come le menzioni nei post e nei commenti, e presto anche gli inviti, ora sono incluse nel totale di attività non lette.

🚧 In corso

Sappiamo che gli annunci pubblicitari riproducono automaticamente l'audio nell'app Android, a volte a volume alto, e stiamo lavorando per trovare una soluzione!

🌱 In arrivo

Stiamo lavorando per rinominare e localizzare le etichette Community in etichette Contenuti nei nostri client ufficiali (Web, iOS e Android), così come le Linee guida della Community nelle Linee guida utente. Ci auguriamo che questo cambiamento eviti confusione riguardo al rapporto tra queste e le Community di Tumblr. Questi articoli sono disponibili in inglese, per ora. Le traduzioni sono in arrivo.

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[chic-a-gigot]

La Mode nationale, no. 22, 3 juin 1905, Paris. Costume-prime de la "Mode Nationale" Été 1905. Bibliothèque nationale de France

Costume d'été sur mesures. En toile fantaisie, pour dames, jeunes filles ou fillettes.

Explication du costume.

Robe en toile fantaisie haute nouveauté. Corsage entièrement doublé, large col rabattu, dentelé et bordé d'un liséré de couleur, cravate régate. Manche nouvelle, avec haut poignet plat et large bouffant resserré dans un bracelet souligné de lisérés. Jupe plissée; les plis sont piqués à hauteur de volant et forment au bas de la jupe un gracieux évasement.

Notre modèle représente une jupe trotteuse, mais nous confectionnerons les costumes avec jupe longue ou courte selon les mesures que l'on nous indiquera.

—

Custom-made summer suit. In fancy canvas, for ladies, young girls or girls.

Explanation of the costume.

High novelty fancy canvas dress. Fully lined bodice, wide turn-down collar, serrated and edged with colored edging, regatta tie. New sleeve, with high flat cuff and wide bouffant tightened in a bracelet highlighted with edging. Pleated skirt; the pleats are stitched at the height of the flounce and form a graceful flare at the bottom of the skirt.

Our model represents a walking skirt, but we will make the costumes with a long or short skirt according to the measurements that we are given.

[legallybrunettedotcom]

hi! can I ask you for crime movie recommendations, or just a list of your personal favorites? I've been getting super into crime fiction recently (books and movies), and I'm making a watchlist of movies I want to check out next. heist movies, gangster films, thrillers, anything involving criminals is interesting to me, and I'd really love to hear about your faves! have a nice day <3

hiii, Estelle! oh I love a good crime movie! I grew up on gangster and mob movies tbh so there's some obvious choices like the godfather and goodfellas. continuing with Scorsese, I love casino. I think it's somewhat underrated Scorsese, idk i just don't see it mentioned that often, but it's super fun. the departed as well, people talked shit about it, but it's great. then mean streets, serpico, taxi driver, dog day afternoon, heat, collateral, thief, chinatown. pretty much every Tarantino ever, obviously reservoir dogs and pulp fiction, jackie brown is my favourite and the sort of song of the movie is across 110th street from the movie of the same name, so I'd def recommend that one, it's an underrated flick. heist movie-wise, ocean's eleven kind of the king here. then set it off, bound, inside man, widows, the italian job (the original), topkapi and rififi are underrated ones, the asphalt jungle, the friends of eddie coyle, the taking of pelham 123, the thomas crown affair (the remake), dead presidents, out of sight, point break, the driver, hustlers, a fish called wanda is sooo funny. sexy beast is such a great and intense movie.

if you'd enjoy something criminal and psychosexual, I'd recommend two 60s movies the housemaid and who killed teddy bear? the cook, the thief, the wife and her lover is an insane sexy one. blue velvet fits here as well. Guy Ritchie made the same movie like 4 times tbh, but I love snatch and lock, stock and two smoking barrels, I think the man from uncle is also a fun one. Brian De Palma is good at corny and sleazy and I kinda love his scarface. body double is silly but I love a good voyeuristic movie. along those lines you obviously have rear window and peeping tom, and then to continue with Hitchcock, I love rope, psycho, and think dial m for murder is quite overlooked. natural born killers, true romance and the doom generation for something stupid and bloody. mandatory Fincher recs like se7en and zodiac. I love the usual suspects, it has that twist at the end that for me personally works even upon rewatches. another underrated movie is joy house with beautiful Jane Fonda and Alain Delon in his prime. faster pussycat kill kill is just pure fun and sleaze and gorgeous ladies. I love lady snowblood and scorpion with Meiko Kaji but I know you've seen those. tokyo drifter is a stylish one as well. some obvi french new wave recs like breathless and pierrot le fou. I'd say there's nothing quite like the atmospheric the night of the hunter. I love drive too, it's all style and the only substance is blood. uncut gems and good time are quite good too. out of something extra new, I enjoyed love lies bleeding more than I expected. seven psychopaths and in bruges for something cynical and silly. then fargo, no country for old men, the big lebowski. filth and trainspotting for something utterly dirty and disgusting. not to forget Hannibal Lecter, we can't not mention the silence of the lambs and manhunter. also badlands, dirty harry, carlito's way, eastern promises, the third man, the big sleep, double indemnity, gun crazy, bonnie and clyde, foxy brown, american psycho, the talented mr ripley, prisoners. something more along crime drama strange days, fallen angels, the city of the rising sun and made in hong kong.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby

Pre-grid of the 1966 Le Mans 24-Hour race displays no fewer than eight  GT40 Mk II’s primed and prepared to defeat the then-dominant Ferraris, which had won the event nine previous times. Ken Miles’ #1 Ford Shelby GT40 (light blue) is in the foreground.

Ford CEO Henry Ford II and his wife stroll the Le Mans paddock lane before the official start of the 1966 24-Hours of Le Mans. History in the making minute-by-minute, with the seeds of controversy quietly brewing.

Ken Miles shown here leading the 1966 24-Hours of Le Mans in late race wet conditions. He did so definitively in varied conditions, overcoming repeated setbacks. Scorers and mechanics in his paddock report that he was one full lap ahead by the final hour of the race.

Driver Ken Miles (sunglasses) gives an assuring eye to Phil Remington, his legendary co-crew chief, before his final stint in the 1966 24-hours of Le Mans.

Bruce McLaren, shown here trailing Ken Miles on a rainy track in the ’66 Le Mans 24-hour race, is sadly no longer alive to describe his view of how events unfolded.

An historic moment captured. Three Ford GT40 Mk Il’s are orchestrated by Ford to cross the finish line in unison, with Bruce McLaren slightly ahead, notwithstanding that in the final hours of the race the car of Ken Miles/Denny Hulme was leading dominantly — yet obediently slowed in order to achieve the Ford competition director’s order that the three cars cross the finish-line together. With McLaren marginally in the lead, he was awarded the win that rages with controversy to this day.

[sunshinesmebdy]

Venus in Aries: Passion, Innovation, and a Pinch of Impulsiveness in Business

Calling all bold entrepreneurs and financially adventurous souls! Buckle up, because Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and prosperity, is setting hearts (and wallets) on fire with its fiery transit through Aries. This dynamic duo ignites a potent mix of passion, initiative, and a dash of impulsiveness, influencing how we approach business and finances from April 5th onwards.

The Aries Influence: A Bold Leap Forward — Taking Calculated Risks with Venusian Fire

Typically, Venus thrives in diplomacy and collaboration. But under the fiery influence of Aries, the ram’s sign, expect a more assertive and action-oriented approach. This is a time to chase exciting ventures, launch innovative products, and negotiate deals with confidence. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, but remember, calculated is the keyword. Aries’ impulsiveness can lead to hasty decisions, so thorough research and a well-defined strategy are crucial before diving headfirst.

Venus, in its usual celestial dance, prefers the harmonious tango of diplomacy and collaboration. It thrives in building partnerships, fostering agreements, and creating a win-win scenario for all involved. Think of Venus as the ultimate negotiator, charming its way to mutually beneficial deals.

But enter Aries, the bold ram. This fire sign is all about taking charge, initiating action, and pushing boundaries. When Venus finds itself nestled in Aries’ fiery domain, a fascinating shift occurs. The diplomatic charm takes a backseat, replaced by a more assertive and pioneering spirit. This isn’t about forceful domination; it’s about confidently pursuing your vision and taking decisive steps to make it a reality.

Here’s how this plays out in business and finance:

Chasing Exciting Ventures: The Aries influence awakens a thirst for adventure. You might find yourself drawn to groundbreaking ideas, innovative products, or untapped markets. This is a prime time to explore new business ventures that ignite your passion and set you apart from the competition.

Launching with Confidence: The usual Venusian caution around launching something new gets a makeover. Aries’ confidence is contagious, making you more likely to take the plunge and present your ideas to the world. However, remember, confidence doesn’t negate preparation. Develop a solid launch strategy, ensure your product or service is market-ready, and then go forth and conquer!

Negotiating with Fire: The collaborative spirit of Venus gets a dose of healthy assertiveness. When negotiating deals, you’ll be more comfortable advocating for your worth and confidently stating your terms. This doesn’t mean throwing out ultimatums, but rather, approaching negotiations with a clear understanding of your value and what you bring to the table.

The Calculated Risk Factor:

This is where the “calculated” part becomes crucial. Aries’ impulsive nature can sometimes lead to rushing headfirst into situations without proper planning. Think of a ram charging towards a tempting patch of grass, oblivious to the potential dangers lurking around.

Here’s how to maintain balance:

Research Before You Leap: Before getting swept away by your newfound entrepreneurial spirit, conduct thorough research. Understand the market, analyze potential risks and rewards, and develop a clear plan of action.

Seek Expert Advice: Don’t be afraid to consult with experienced professionals or mentors. Their guidance can help you navigate the complexities of your venture and mitigate potential pitfalls.

Embrace Calculated Risks, Not Recklessness: Taking calculated risks is a fundamental part of business growth. However, there’s a fine line between calculated and reckless. Use your Venusian charm and finesse to assess risks objectively, only venturing into situations with a well-defined strategy for success.

By harnessing the assertive energy of Aries while maintaining the strategic planning of Venus, you can leverage this transit to turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.

Financial Flair with a Competitive Edge: Investing with Venusian Fire in Aries

Venus, the planet of love and beauty, typically steers us towards indulging in the finer things. We might treat ourselves to luxurious experiences, invest in timeless pieces, or simply appreciate the finer things in life. However, when fiery Aries enters the picture, this Venusian indulgence takes on a more competitive and action-oriented twist.

From Retail Therapy to Investment Savvy:

The usual urge to splurge on that designer bag might still be present, but a stronger pull towards financially empowering activities will emerge. This transit ignites a desire to see your money grow and work for you. Here’s how this financial flair manifests:

The Rise of the Side Hustle: The entrepreneurial spirit of Aries awakens a desire to create additional income streams. This could be the perfect time to launch that side hustle you’ve been dreaming of, whether it’s monetizing a hobby, offering freelance services, or starting a small online business.

Calculated Moves in the Market: The Venusian influence on investments gets a makeover. While Venus usually favors stable, long-term investments, the boldness of Aries encourages you to explore options with higher growth potential. This could involve diversifying your portfolio with stocks in innovative companies or exploring calculated ventures like angel investing.

Remember, Responsible Risk is Key:

It’s important to remember that responsible risk-taking is a world away from reckless gambling. Don’t be tempted to throw your money into the first flashy opportunity that comes your way. Here’s how to maintain a balanced approach:

Do Your Research: Before investing, conduct thorough research. Analyze the potential risks and rewards, understand the market trends, and ensure the investment aligns with your overall financial goals.

Start Small & Diversify: If you’re venturing into unfamiliar territory, start small and diversify your investments. This way, you can limit potential losses while still experiencing the thrill of potentially higher returns.

Seek Professional Guidance: Don’t be afraid to consult a financial advisor before making any major investment decisions. Their expertise can help you navigate complex financial instruments and develop a personalized investment strategy.

Think of yourself as a Venusian investor with an Aries twist. You appreciate the finer things in life, but you’re also driven to make your money work for you. By channeling your financial gusto towards calculated investments and strategic ventures, you can leverage this transit to build long-term wealth and achieve your financial goals.

Who Will Feel the Heat Most?

While everyone will experience this transit to some degree, some zodiac signs will be particularly affected:

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Get ready to shine! This transit fuels your natural confidence and leadership qualities. Network aggressively, don’t be afraid to chase ambitious goals, and watch your business flourish.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Your innovative ideas and communication skills are in high demand. Collaborate with fire signs to bring their bold visions to life.

Libra: Normally diplomatic Libra might find themselves being more assertive in negotiations. Channel this newfound confidence to secure those lucrative deals.

Harnessing the Venusian Fire: Striking a Balance for Success

Venus in Aries presents a unique opportunity to propel yourself toward your financial dreams with a potent blend of passion, confidence, and strategic action. Here’s how to harness this powerful energy and turn it into a recipe for business success:

Embrace the Fire, But Don’t Get Burned:

Ignite Your Passion: This transit is a time to reconnect with the spark that ignited your entrepreneurial spirit in the first place. What are you truly passionate about? How can you translate that passion into a thriving business venture? Let your enthusiasm be the driving force behind your actions.

Fuel Your Confidence: The assertive influence of Aries bolsters your belief in yourself and your ideas. Don’t be afraid to showcase your unique talents and confidently present your vision to potential partners or investors. This newfound confidence will be infectious, attracting others to your cause.

Channel Your Drive into Action: Venus in Aries thrives on action. Don’t let your ideas languish in the realm of “what ifs.” Develop a clear plan of action, set achievable goals, and take concrete steps towards achieving them. Remember, even small, consistent steps forward lead to significant progress over time.

Temper the Fire with Strategic Planning:

Don’t Confuse Passion with Recklessness: While passion is essential, it needs a strategic partner: planning. Before diving headfirst into any venture, conduct thorough research, analyze competitors, and develop a clear roadmap for success.

Refine Your Venusian Charm: Venus is the master of diplomacy and collaboration. Use this charm to build strong relationships with potential partners, investors, and clients. Focus on win-win scenarios and leverage your natural charisma to create a network of support.

Embrace Calculated Risks: Calculated risk-taking is an essential part of business growth. However, impulsive decisions can lead to disaster. Use your Venusian finesse to objectively assess risks and only take calculated steps with a well-defined strategy for mitigating potential losses.

The Art of Balance:

The key to harnessing the Venusian fire lies in balance. Let your passion fuel your drive, but don’t let it cloud your judgment. Channel your confidence into assertive action, but anchor it with strategic planning. Remember, the Venusian charm is a powerful tool for building relationships and collaborating with others. By combining the fiery spirit of Aries with the strategic finesse of Venus, you can create a winning formula for business success under this astrological influence.

[briarcrawford]

World Building: Creating & Telling Time ⏰

If you are writing about characters in a world without our modern technology, how do you get those characters to meet at the same time? The most common answer is to have the characters meet at first light (to the point where it has become a bit of a joke among fans of the fantasy genre) or nightfall, but you do have more options.

Even in the middle ages, time was important. In fact, in many places, bells would ring out to alert people of the time.

“Even before clocks are invented, bells are an important means of telling the time in towns and cities. In London the great bell of St. Martin’s le Grand is the one to listen out for. It is this bell which tells you when the markets are open, and when curfew starts. In a large city like London, where many bells are rung for a wide variety of reasons, knowing the sound each bell makes represents a third method of telling the time. — “The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England” by Ian Mortimer (2008

It is true they might not have been as accurate as what we have today, but they did not have to be. Time was important in the middle ages, but for the average person, time was not measured right down to the minute like it is for people today. You met people or started work by the hours, not by minutes.

To start creating your own time system for your fantasy stories, you will need to know what moments of a day will be important to your people (example: the churches Canonical hours). Typically, the easiest ones are when the sun rises, when it is the highest point in the sky (noon), and when it sets. You could even add in the moon if you so chose, such as when the moon is highest in the sky (midnight).

“The first hour of their day is known as “prime.” The third hour (about 9 a.m.) is called “terce”; the sixth hour (noon) is “sext”; the ninth hour of the day (midafternoon), “nones”; and so on. The bells ring across the town for “vespers” at the twelfth hour.” — “The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England” by Ian Mortimer (2008)

After you know those, you’ll need to name those increments. You could number them, or name them based on the sun placement, or come up with completely unique names (perhaps based on the lighting of that time, or some religious/cultural story).

Now, you have your “hours,” as well as what people will call them. However, if you want your bell towers ringing out at more accurate times, you may want some sort of device the people can use so they are not trying to make an educated guess by the shadows around them or the placement of the sun (staring at the sun is not recommended haha). So, with that in mind, here are historical examples to help get you started:

Sundials

Sundials (as you might have guessed) use sunlight to tell time. To put it as simply as possible, you have some sort of circle or half-circle marked with your system of time keeping, you add something that will cast a shadow, then you line it up so that the shadow points at the correct marker at the correct time of day.

Of course, it is worth mentioning that these only work if the sun is out.

Sundials of various styles are found all around the world, and in your stories, they might be found anywhere with enough sunlight. Perhaps there is a large sundial in the center of the town and a caller screams out the times, perhaps it is on the wall of the town bell tower, or perhaps it is a crude version a farmer made by putting a stick in the ground with stones to mark time.

Image Sources: Image 1 | Image 2

Candles

Like other time measurements mentioned, candles also had faults for time keeping (with both wind and wax quality both possibly altering the burn rate), but they had the major advantage of being able to be used in dark locations. This had candles of various types use in places for time keeping all around the world, with the earliest mention of a candle clock dating back to AD 520 in China.

Image Sources: Image 1 | Image 2

Water Clocks

For water-clocks(AKA clepsydra), time is “measured” by how long it takes water to either exit or enter a vessel.

“The Clepsydra appears to have been at first used to limit the time during which persons were allowed to speak in the Athenian Courts of Justice; ‘the first water/ says AEschines, ‘being given to the accuser, the second to the accused, and the third to the judges/ a special officer being appointed in the courts for the purpose of watching the Clepsydra and stopping it when any documents were read whereby the speaker was interrupted.” — “Time and time-tellers” by James Benson (1875)

Some water-clocks are very small and simple (looking more like vases or bowls), while others were large and sometimes even implemented automaton. Depending on the build-style or size, water-clocks could be used for short increments, or even days.

One of the main possible faults that come with the water clock is evaporation rates.

Image Sources: Image 1 | Image 2

Mechanical Clocks

For some reason, people often tend to think that mechanical clocks are a much more modern invention than they really were. The oldest surviving mechanical clock is from 1386 in Salisbury Cathedral, but they date back further than that. The first geared clock was actually a type of water clock that dates to 3rd century BC, and was invented by Archimedes.

Mechanical clocks are a machine that moves in equal intervals of time, and is connected to a counting mechanism which records the number of those movements. Many were weight-driven clocks, though in the 15th century, spring-driven clocks started to make an appearance.

Of course, like all the others, this has flaws as well, such as how temperatures might swell or contract metals, which might slightly alter the time for certain mechanical clocks (especially those using pendulums).

The only mechanical clocks you will come across are large turret clocks built into the bell towers of aristocratic palaces and some of the major abbeys and cathedrals. By the end of the century there are clocks in the cathedrals of Salisbury and Wells, and in several royal palaces and castles, including Westminster, Windsor, Queenborough, and King’s Langley. Chaucer refers to a clock in the abbey tower in his “Nun’s Priest’s Tale.” Obviously clocks regulate the day in a wholly different way, measuring eighteen hours of daylight and six of nighttime in summer (not twelve and twelve). For this reason there are two sorts of time in use simultaneously: clock time and solar time. So it is necessary to specify “hour of the clock” (our “o’clock”), if that is what you mean, in order to differentiate between the two. Note that clocks do not show the time; they announce it by ringing a bell on the hour. Thus you will find people speak not only of “hours of the clock” but also of “hours of the bell. — “The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England” by Ian Mortimer (2008)

Image Sources: Image 1 | Image 2

And there are more options too! For three bonus inspirations, look up hourglasses, incense clocks, and Astrolabes.

Now that you have your increments, what those time increments are called, and how people will keep track of them, you are ready to use them in your world building!

[tailschannel]

Here's a complete recap of everything featured in this year's Sonic Central presentation

New collaborations with LEGO, an upcoming Sonic Frontiers DLC update, and a first look at Part 2 of Sonic Prime were among the major highlights in this year's Sonic Central presentation.

Here's everything you need to know.

Sonic Frontiers

Details on the second major content update for Sonic Frontiers was revealed in the Sonic Central. Titled "Sonic's Birthday Bash", it's scheduled for a release on 23 June 2023.

Sonic's Birthday: Celebrate Sonic's birthday in Sonic Frontiers with a new birthday theme, including a festive HUD, environment objects, a new birthday skin, and more!

Open Zone Challenges: Explore the Open Zone with all new challanges scattered throughout.

Spindash: The iconic Sonic move makes a return in Sonic Frontiers!

New Kocos: Some Kocos seem to dawn new outfits and some do seem a bit bigger than usual.

New Game Plus.

Sonic Superstars

A new teaser was shown promoting the new Sonic Superstars and LEGO collaboration, featuring LEGO Eggman as a pre-order bonus.

Following the presentation, SEGA dropped new renders and descriptions for all the characters featured in the upcoming game.

Trip: Not much is known yet about Trip, the mysterious girl first encountered by Fang on the Northstar Islands. While a bit clumsy, Trip is heavily armored and has been enlisted by Fang and Dr. Eggman to protect and guide them around the wonders of this uncharted region.

Fang the Hunter (formerly Fang the Sniper): Fang is a springy jerboa that is light on his feet and is always looking for the next big score. A bounty hunter by trade, Fang the Hunter has been known by many different names over the years, likely due to his “WANTED” status with the authorities. Always trying to stay one step ahead, he’s constantly modifying and upgrading his primary mode of transportation, the Marvelous Queen.

You can check out the rest of the descriptions for Sonic, Amy, Tails, Knuckles and Eggman here.

The official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel also uploaded a new 3-minute video featuring Superstars producer Naoto Ohshima and Sonic Studio creative officer Takashi Iizuka.

They "talk in-depth about Superstars, including inspirations, challenges, and what it's like to create a new character."

Sonic Symphony World Tour

Here are the official tour dates for the Sonic Symphony from 2023 to 2024:

Sept 16, 2023 - London, Barbican Hall

Sept 22, 2023 - Paris, Le Grand Rex

Sept 30, 2023 - Los Angeles, Dolby Theatre

Oct 14-15, 2023 - São Paulo, Brasil Game Show

Oct 21, 2023 - Boston, Emerson Colonial Theatre

Oct 28, 2023 - Chicago, Auditorium Theatre

Nov 17, 2023 - Düsseldorf, Mitsubishi Electric Halle

Dec 15, 2023 - San Antonio, Majestic Theatre

Dec 29, 2023 - Atlanta, Cobb Energy P.A.C.

Jan 05, 2024 - Seattle, Paramount Theatre

Jan 06, 2024 - San Francisco, Davies Symphony Hall

Jan 20, 2024 - Washington DC, Warner Theater

Jan 27, 2024 - Kansas City, Kansas City Music Hall

Feb 11, 2024 - Tokyo, LINE CUBE SHIBUYA

Feb 17, 2024 - Toronto, Meridian Hall

Mar 24, 2024 - Montreal, Wilfrid-Pelletier Theater

Mar 29, 2024 - Portland, Schnitzer Auditorium

For more information such as ticket pricing and availability, check out the above links.

Sonic Prime

A new extended clip of the upcoming second content drop of Sonic Prime was previewed. It's scheduled to make its debut on Netflix in 13 July.

With the help of his ragtag group of Shatterverse allies, Sonic battles the Chaos Council for control of the powerful Paradox Prism, one Shard at a time.

Sonic Dash and Speed Battle

A new Classic Super Sonic skin will be joining SEGA HARDlight's flagship titles Speed Battle and Dash soon.

Other things of note, as reported last week:

To coincide with the release of the 2nd season of Sonic Prime, characters from Prime will be playable in Dash, including Boscage Sonic, Rusty Rose, and Tails Nine.

Alongside the Prime characters, Super Silver and an all new Dragon Hunter Lancelot will make their debut in Dash and Speed Battle later this month.

San Diego Comic-Con 2023

With Comic-Con coming this summer, a new pop-up restaurant featuring the blue blur will open near the show floor.

More details will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Merchandise

New Death Egg Set from Jakks Pacific: Based on the Sonic 4 Episode 2 final boss, fight The Egg Heart in the new Death Egg set.

Streetwear brand Hypland announced their collaboration with Sonic the Hedgehog: The limited edition collection features an assortment of graphic tees and hoodies featuring Sonic and his friends meshed into contemporary streetwear designs.

S-Fire Sonic Statue: Pre-order the new Sonic & Shadow statue today with augmented reality compatibility.

Sonic has officially announced a collaboration with the popular shoe brand Crocs. As reported back in late May: it's available in adult and kids sizes, for $49.99 USD and $44.99 USD respectively. Besides the shoes themselves, Crocs will be offering Jibbitz charms. They will be coming in a pack of 5 with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Shadow, offered at $19.99 USD.

Other things of note: a Sonic-themed Playmate cooler from Igloo, a themed guitar from ESP Guitars, and Sonic and Shadow Cable Guy figures.

Sonic Origins Plus

With Origins Plus out, SEGA released a new launch trailer.

With more content than ever before, and a new premium physical version, Sonic Origins Plus is the definitive way to play 16 classic Sonic games in one timeless collection.

LEGO

SEGA officially previewed the Death Egg Robot set, now scheduled for a release in August.

As reported via a leak earlier this month, it contains a Sonic mini figure accompanied with his speed sphere mechanism and the launcher to it; and the Death Egg Robot piloted by Eggman, and Cubot.

Samba de Amigo: Party Central

As reported, the upcoming Samba De Amigo: Party Central will be featuring the world's famous hedgehog as a guest character.

The game will feature two iconic Sonic tunes, Escape From the City and Fist Bump, alongside the City Escape stage itself.

IDW Sonic the Hedgehog

Today's Central presentation made a brief mention of IDW Publishing's upcoming one-shot issue for the Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series: Amy Rose's 30th Anniversary.

You can read more details in our report from earlier today.

Sonic Speed Simulator

Despite the developer's controversies, the officially-licenced Speed Simulator got a mention in the Central presentation.

Users can celebrate Sonic's birthday in style with the new Tuxedo Classic Sonic skin, out now.

Lastly...

TailsTube got a shoutout, and voice actor Mike Pollock dropped some fire bars in the LEGO collaboration video.

...and that's all! For news and updates anytime, be sure to follow @TailsChannel where you are on social media.

(Files contributed by the Tails' Channel Newsfeed.)

[fallenneziah]

"Good Boy."

Ratchet x Optimus ficlet.

Cw: NSFW, Dom/Sub, begging, teasing, heat/rut. Ratchet being a tease.

Notes: Small oneshot, incomplete and just decided to post it anyway. Always open to fic ideas and if this should be a whole thing, let me know. Just an unedited raw draft of some robomen fuckin.

Words: 1.2k roughly.

Optimus breathed in the smell of the clean medbay. His frame quivered against the cool air, though it did nothing to aid the heat that boiled his insides. Cogs churned and cranked angrily the longer they sat there.

Optimus looked up, his optics trained on his mate who wandered the grounds of the medbay nonchalantly. He whined softly to grab his attention, but Ratchet continued on his way. He didn't respond to the first whine, followed by a second he poked his head up.

"Feeling antsy?"

"Ratchet- please…"

"Hmm?" Ratchet turned and leaned back against the counter. He smirked at the way Optimus was powering through every protocol in his system to keep from breaking from the restraints on his pedes. Kneeled on the floor beside the operating table felt silly and degrading. His insides coiled and fuel lines tightened when he saw the look Ratchet gave him.

"Are you being a good boy?"

"Ratchet…" Optimus bit his lip and whined sadly. His fins twitched and his servos tightened. His knees shook and coolant dripped from his frame.

"You're doing so well." Ratchet leaned off the table slowly and walked up to Optimus. Optimus breathed out heavily when Ratchet's cool touch blessed his chin and turned his gaze up with one of his digits.

His helm was centre to Ratchet's crotch plating, the heat of his own anticipation stinging Optimus' enstrils. He could already smell the slick that coated Ratchet's valve lining in. He shuddered and restrained himself from reaching out.

Ratchet hummed happily and nodded. "You are such a good boy. Yes Optimus, you are being so obedient."

Optimus shifted on his knees and whined loudly. "Oh?" Ratchet smirked and cupped Optimus' jaw. "I suppose you want a treat for such well tamed behavior?"

Optimus nodded, panting as the heat swelling in his mesh lining became unbearable.

Ratchet nodded and ran his hand down to his decency plating, pleased as Optimus' optics watched his movements like a hawk.

Ratchet removed the plating and his spike popped out from its port. Pre-overload dribbled down the tip and over the long grooves. The head twitched against Optimus' heavy breaths.

Optimus' mouth was watering at this point. He whimpered as Ratchet stroked his helm to reassure him. Guiding his spike to his lips, Ratchet coaxed Optimus over his spike until half the length disappeared down the Prime's throat.

Ratchet bit his lip and groaned. "Good boy." Optimus whimpered and pressed his glossa along the grooves of Ratchet's spike as it was guided through his mouth. His throat tube relaxed and expanded to easily take the spike down to near the base. Ratchet rocked his hips slowly as Optimus' head came down. A soft groan followed a whimper of happiness from Optimus as he sucked along Ratchet's spike. His tongue swirled and sucked. His lights tightened and his heat coiled angrily.

The overwhelming sensation to throw Ratchet into the wall and pound the valve not two feet from him was immense.

His digits clawed violently into his palms to gain control. His lips tightened against Ratchet's spike until he felt like he would lose it. Optimus pressed down against the base and stroked the underbelly of his spike with his tongue. Ratchet growled happily and pulled Optimus off his spike.

It twitched and ached for more but Ratchet remained apart. Optimus looked up at his medic feverishly and awaited any kind of command. His spike ached and his palms were drenched in coolant.

Ratchet sighed dramatically and walked to the medical berth to Optimus right. He sat down on the edge of the bed and split his legs. Optimus whimpered as Ratchet stroked his mesh lining and pulled back his valve covering.

Optimus' noises grew louder and less controlled as Ratchet slipped a finger into his valve and pulled it out covered in slick lubricants.

"You want this?" Ratchet asked and flashed Optimus a grin.

Optimus nodded furiously as rushed to stand.

"Sit!" Ratchet snarled.

Optimus stilled. His spike twitched wildly as Ratchet rubbed his valve edges and explored the folds with his slickened fingers. Ratchet moaned softly at his own movements and rested his head back gently.

Ratchet pulled his fingers from his valve and looked over Optimus' shaking frame, barely holding onto any Primely decency. His heat made Optimus' a wreck. Even the sight of Ratchet's aft had his wiring so jacked up he couldn't think straight.

But he remained still, optics uncomfortably flicking between Ratchet's gaze and his warm, gasping hole. His engines rumbled with anticipation at the sight and his emotions roared around in his EM field. But he remained ever still.

Ratchet smirked and flicked his fingers in an upward motion. "Alright big boy."

Optimus whimpered happily and stood to his feet. His armor dug into the medical restraints on his legs and snapped the leather. In two seconds flat he pushed Ratchet back onto the berth and hunched over him, keeping him pinned him down on either side with both hands. His spike had been exposed at some point and was greedily moving between Ratchet's folds.

Optimus breathed against the crook of Ratchet's neck and enveloped his scent. The smell of clean armor and cleaner. The ever present scent of Cybertronian primer.

"Ratchet~"

Ratchet hugged Optimus' neck and whispered sweet nothings in his audial. Praising and encouraging him. The heat in the room increased as Optimus opened armor plates to release steam in an attempt to cool his core. His fans roared in the background.

Optimus hunched forward and pressed his spike head against Ratchet's entrance. Ratchet gasped and whined. "Oh Primus- good boy~ so good Optimus."

Optimus shoved his spike inside Ratchet's valve and crumbled under the sweet, wet warmth that greeted him. Calipers brushed his grooves and walls tightened against him. Ratchet's insides writhed in pleasure for the Prime. "Ratchet~ feel so good…" He groaned in Ratchet's audial. Ratchet idly stroked his lover's helm fin until Optimus went from mid-length to base and pressed his hips against Ratchet's.

They groaned in unison and Optimus couldn't stop. He pulled back and snapped his hips until he was going at a good pace. Which quickly sped up until the loud sound of metal against metal filled the empty base.

Ratchet cried out happily as he was pounded into the berth. Optimus had lost it. Kissing and nipping Ratchet's neck as he milked him of stimulation.

Ratchet's helm hit the berth as Optimus pressed his hips into the metal until it bent.

"atta boy- nng!" Ratchet growled between forced breaths. Optimus pulled Ratchet close and drove his spike into him to the point less than three centimeters pulled out before pushing in.

The next week of Optimus' heat was a good one...

[operahouses]

Under  the  sultry  New  Orleans  sky,  in  the  year  1912,  the  air  thrums  with  the  infectious  pulse  of  live  jazz.  The  party  spills  out  onto  a  cobblestone  street  lined  with  gas  lamps  casting  a  warm,  flickering  glow.  A  brass  band,  its  members  dressed  in  crisp,  white  jackets  and  black  bow  ties,  commands  a  stage  set  up  against  the  backdrop  of  a  grand,  ivy-clad  building.  The  trumpet's  bold  notes  interlace  with  the  smooth,  soulful  strains  of  the  clarinet,  its  melody  dancing  through  the  balmy  evening  air.

Guests,  adorned  in  their  finest  summer  attire,  mingle  with  animated  chatter.  Gentlemen  sport  linen  suits  and  Panama  hats,  while  ladies  glide  in  flowing,  floral-patterned  gowns  with  wide-brimmed  hats  adorned  with  feathers  and  ribbons.  The  scent  of  magnolia  blossoms  mingles  with  the  aroma  of  cigars  and  the  occasional  waft  of  bourbon  and  copper.

Servers  in  uniforms  move  gracefully  among  the  crowd,  offering  glasses  of  chilled  champagne  and  tall,  frosty  mint  juleps,  their  silver  trays  glinting  under  lamplight.  Laughter  and  lively  conversation  create  an  ambience  of  joyful  noise,  punctuated  by  the  occasional  clink  of  glasses  and  the  rhythmic  shuffle  of  dancers'  feet  on  the  cobblestones.  Louis,  joined  by  his  companion,  Lestat,  sits  at  a  prime  front-row  table,  its  centerpiece  a  small  vase  holding  a  single,  elegant  rose.

In  one  hand,  Louis  entertains  a  flute  of  champagne,  the  bubbles  rising  in  a  constant,  delicate  stream,  sparkling  with  every  motion.  His  other  hand  rests  casually  on  the  table,  fingers  drumming  lightly  to  the  infectious  rhythm  of  the  jazz  band.  As  the  rhythms  pulse  through  the  air,  Louis  leans  toward  Lestat  with  a  shy  smile.

His  voice,  tinged  with  his  sweet  Creole  drawl,  murmurs,  "Y'know,  Les,  this  night's  been  good  as  gold  so  far...  Can't  help  but  think  it's  'cause  you're  here  with  me."  Thrumming  fingers  pause  only  to  inch  toward  Lestat's  splayed  hand.  A  discreet  brush  of  their  fingertips,  a  quiet,  private  display  meant  only  for  them.

@indiscrminately   ⟢ 

[bedrock-to-buildheight]

you got good ass takes on minos and sisyphus hows The Lady and the Tiger by tmbg as a those two guys type of song ? I need peer review on my song associations lol. also do you have any songs you associate with any ultrakill characters ?

It's a very interesting and spicy song for those two, cause in this song, Minos' opinions is represented by the tiger, the more dangerous choice. I like it!

As for my songs for the blorbos, OH BOI YOU UNLOCKED AN UNSKIPPABLE CUTSCENE

Below is a bunch of songs and who they're for. Some even has explanation

Gabriel

This Is Love by Air Traffic Controller - damn near a gabv1el anthem. A homoerotic AND homicidal lovesong. Literally the third line is 'I'm an idiot for thinking this was anything but blood'

Dear Wormwood by The Oh Hellos - Gabriel to the Council

Kaiserion by Ghost - same vibe as above, with more anti-christianity vibes

Bitter Water by The Old Hellos - Minos/Gabe, in an anticipatory grief, doomed yaoi kind of way

V1

Would That I by Hozier - highly specific Gabv1el with Minos/Gabe former relationship

Stars from Les Mis (Phillip Quast version)

V2

The Plague by the mountain goats - imo V1 was never made to give much of a shit aboyt humans. It's almost vindictively happy at seeing humanity's hubris catching up to them at last

The Toy Soldier's Song by The Mechanisms (Gunpowder Tim vs The Moon Kaiser) - loyalty is a lot to ask of a weapon, the song

Want You Gone from Portal 2 and Still Alive from Portal

Cry for Judas by the mountain goats - 'But I am just a broken machine, and I do things that I don't really mean'

A Sadness Runs Through Him by The Hoosiers - Gabriel/V2. The story of guard dogs who had bad owners

Minos

Sisyphus

Cirice by Ghost - Minos/Gabe that started out as Minos manipulating Gabe into siding with him a la Drowning Man (fic)

The Music of The Night from The Phantom of The Opera - slow, powerful and seductive. If charisma itself is a song

Ferryman by Shayfer James - despite the name, this is a Minos song. There's a certain indifference to shitty lovers and the insignificance of individual humans that fits him well

Run to You by Pentatonix - Minos/Sisyphus post-Prime. The specific amv scene I have in mind is 'Minos finds him bleeding out after fighting V1 and they share a few moments. Sisyphus realizes that maybe, he did regret one thing'

For the Departed by Shayfer James- Minos/Sisyphus, depicting their final moments before Gabriel arrives in Greed

Villainous Thing by Shayfer James - Sisyphus to Gabriel. An understanding between people who care about Doing Right, but hold too much anger to take the respectable route. Plus a bit of flirting <3

Ferryman

The Moon Will Sing by The Crane Wives - Ferrygabe resentment song <33 They fucking hate what he made them into

Obsessed With You by The Orion Experience - self explanatory

Others

Body by Mother Mother - self explanatory 2. That one piece of unadded ferryman lore hakita dropped is the gift that keeps on giving

Cupid by Fifty Fifty - lmao

Bury My Mother Pale and Slight by Amalgemotion - Virtues song. The chorus is directly calling to Gabriel as 'the knight' who will bring them freedom. I like to think that 'the king' mentioned here is God

For Narmer from Warframe- Sisyphean Insurrectionists

Like The Dawn by The Oh Hellos- Hell/Lucifer

Nothing Changes from Hadestown - The Council

Living in The Light by Ridiculon - The Council

[aimeedaisies]

The Coronation Procession

This week I spent a few days in London, so I decided to walk the route that the newly coronated King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take, called the Coronation Procession! The Kings Procession, before the service is this route, just in reverse. I took pictures of the highlights of the route, it will definitely be something to look back on in the future!

Westminster Abbey

Founded in 960 and consecrated in 1065, Westminster Abbey, has seen the coronations of 39 English and British monarchs and 16 royal weddings and is the burial site for 18 English, Scottish and British monarchs.

Whitehall, Downing Street and Horse Guards Parade

Whitehall is recognised as the centre of the Government of the United Kingdom and is lined with numerous departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Defence, Horse Guards and the Cabinet Office. The Palace of Whitehall previously occupied the area and was the residence of Kings Henry VIII through to William III, before it was destroyed by fire in 1698; only the Banqueting House has survived. As well as government buildings, the street is known for its memorial statues and monuments, including the UK's primary war memorial, the Cenotaph and the Women of World War Two memorial.

Downing Street was built in the 1680s by Sir George Downing. For more than three hundred years, it has held the official residences of both the First Lord of the Treasury, the office now synonymous with that of the Prime Minister, and the Second Lord of the Treasury, the office held by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Prime Minister's official residence is 10 Downing Street, and the Chancellor's official residence is Number 11. The government's Chief Whip has an official residence at Number 12. In practice, these office-holders may live in different flats; the current Chief Whip actually lives at Number 9.

Horse Guards Parade is a large parade ground off Whitehall. It is the site of the annual ceremonies of Trooping the Colour, which commemorates the monarch's official birthday, and the Beating Retreat. Horse Guards Parade was formerly the site of the Palace of Whitehall's tiltyard, where tournaments (including jousting) were held in the time of Henry VIII. It was also the scene of annual celebrations of the birthday of Queen Elizabeth I. The procession will go past the entrance, not onto the parade ground.

Trafalgar Square and the Equestrian Statue of King Charles I

The square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, southwest Spain. In the centre of the square is Nelson's Column built to commemorate Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson's decisive victory at the Battle of Trafalgar over the combined French and Spanish navies, during which he lost his life. The monument was constructed between 1840 and 1843 to a design by William Railton. The statue of Nelson was carved from Craigleith sandstone by sculptor Edward Hodges Baily. The four bronze lions around its base, designed by Sir Edwin Landseer, were added in 1867.

The equestrian statue of Charles I is a work by the French sculptor Hubert Le Sueur, probably cast in 1633. It is considered the central point of London. Its location at Charing Cross is on the former site of the most elaborate of the Eleanor crosses erected by Edward I (one of 12, to commemorate his late wife, put in location throughout the route of her funeral procession stops back to London). The statue faces down Whitehall towards Charles I's place of execution at Banqueting House. It was commissioned by Charles's Lord High Treasurer Richard Weston for the garden of his country house in Roehampton, Surrey. Following the English Civil War the statue was sold to a metalsmith to be broken down, but he hid it until the Restoration. It was installed in its current, far more prominent location in the centre of London in 1675, and the elaborately carved plinth dates from that time.

Admiralty Arch

Admiralty Arch was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, and designed by Aston Webb, who also designed the Victoria Memorial and the new façade of Buckingham Palace at the other end of the Mall. It once served as residence of the First Sea Lord and was used by the Admiralty.

The Mall, St James Palace and Clarence House

The Mall is the long red coloured road joining Admiralty Arch and Buckingham Palace. It has seen several huge celebrations such as Victory in Europe Day (8 May 1945), lots of state visits, parades and Jubilee celebrations. When the royal family stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, The Mall is packed from top to bottom of vast crowds. The surface of The Mall is coloured red to give the effect of a giant red carpet leading up to Buckingham Palace. This colour was obtained using synthetic iron oxide pigment.

St James's Palace is the most senior royal palace in London. It is the ceremonial meeting place of the Accession Council, the office of the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as the London residence of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and her husband, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Beatrice and Princess Alexandra. The Proclamation Gallery (pictured above) is a part of St James's Palace, and it is used after the death of a reigning monarch. The Accession Council meets to declare the new monarch. Once the monarch has made a sacred oath to the council, the Garter King of Arms steps onto the Proclamation Gallery, which overlooks Friary Court to proclaim the new monarch.

Clarence House currently serves as the London residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It has been Charles's residence since 2003. From 1953 until 2002 it was home to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and before her, it was the official home of her daughter, Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen Victoria Memorial

The Queen Victoria monument and surrounding gardens were created between 1904 and 1924. The main statue was unveiled by King George V. As well as Victoria, there are statues representing courage, constancy, victory, charity, truth and motherhood. In summer the flower beds are filled with geraniums, spider plants, salvias and weeping figs. Scarlet geraniums are used to match the tunics of The Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace. In winter time the beds are filled with about 50,000 yellow wallflowers and red tulips.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. King George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a comfortable family home close to St James's Palace, where many court functions were held. Buckingham House became known as the Queen's House, and 14 of George III's 15 children were born there. Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to take up residence in July 1837 and in June 1838 she was the first British sovereign to leave from Buckingham Palace for a Coronation. Her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 soon showed up the Palace's shortcomings. A serious problem for the newly married couple was the absence of any nurseries (for her nine children) and too few bedrooms for visitors. The only solution was to move the Marble Arch - it now stands at the north-east corner of Hyde Park - and build a fourth wing, thereby creating a quadrangle. The cost of the new wing was largely covered by the sale of George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton.

I then walked past the Royal Mews, where the Gold State Coach is being prepared for the Coronation. Then onto Hyde Park, then Kensington Gardens and finally Kensington Palace, which is the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent. I then treated myself to a scrummy yet expensive piece of lemon cake from the Prada cafè in Harrods 🍰😋

information from wikipedia, royal parks and the royal family website

[breadvidence]

Les Misérables 6/9/2024 at the Fox Theater, GA

Sometimes purchases made on two too many glasses of wine are the wisest buys of all: saw the musical live for the first time, which seems like it oughta have come before at least three other adaptations I've watched at this point, and is an experience that gets into your guts in a way any film will struggle to match. I was in the mezzanine in the cheap seats which lost me a back corner of the stage and hearing whatever Kyle Adams was getting up to, but still gave me a solid view. There are so many ways in which this is the best adaptation of Les Mis, and finally experiencing music live that I've been listening to for decades—there are no words. So, since I can't express the profound side of the experience, I'm gonna write up a li'l commentary of mostly jokes:

"Overture": I notice the playbill does not list "The Confrontation" among the numbers and feel surprised no Valvert fan has had a public meltdown online about this change. Shrug it off, because people are starting to go uhhhUH on stage and Broadway will hardly give me my money back because they didn't deliver on the expected level of homoeroticism.

"Look Down": Oh, we're doing the boat? Are we going to dock the boat before Valjean gets his papers and—? Ambiguous? Missing scene: Valjean has to swim to shore because the cruelty of state punishment means when your time is up they simply force you to walk the plank to "freedom". Also, this iteration of Javert outsources his violence to underlings, which is an interesting choice. Boyd comes across solid and straightforward, even dignified, which is not the bared-teeth nasty energy I personally thrive off of from a musical Javert, but I have no comment on his technical skill.

"On Parole": Cartell masterfully handles the most important line in the Les Mis musical, Valjean's sippy of freedom water. He moves throughout this sequence with a cautious, loose, sometimes hunched body language, feral. If adaptations were about fidelity as such I'd bellyache about the violence, but it works fine visually, I'll go with it. At some point, I oughta mull on why musical Valjean is such a more violent character than in the novel. On the other hand, the Petit Gervais reference I will simply call clumsy and bad, if you don't know the book it just makes Valjean look like a dick and if you do it jars even worse. Cartell's rendition of "fliiiIIIIIIIⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱⁱght!" is solid, all my ears want from that line is to feel like the actor is making a weird noise they will not elsewhere be repeating.

"The Bishop": Randy Jeter is a distractingly attractive Myriel. I would fall on my hands and knees and put my ass in the air too, Valjean. Hot fuckin' damn.

"At the End of the Day": Coming off of 3.1.12 in Les Mis Letters had me primed to view the opening moments in which we see the "the Poor" as dehumanized figures, shrouded, moving strangely, almost monstrous, to consider the political implications of that, but it's bomb visuals so I don't much care. Haley Dortch is a fuckin tree of a person and I mean that in the best way, really interesting physical presence to be cast as Fantine. They seemed, from my distance, to be not insignificantly taller than Cartell, which I'm unduly delighted by. Speaking of Cartell: I believe the word the kids would use for his outfit as Madeleine is "cunty", those coat tails have so much swish.

"I Dreamed A Dream": The crowd howled for Dortch at the end of this song, and well-earned too. Briefly distracted by wondering what the theater theory is behind actors doing little runs around the stage—just sayin', I promise I will not lose interest like a leopard gecko presented with unmoving prey if they stay in one spot.

"Lovely Ladies": My awareness that I should feel badly about this depiction of sex workers vs eye-catching costuming and choreography, oh no. Boyd continues to be solid and uninteresting in this scene, but that's fine. At the end, the constables take Dortch under the elbows and drag them offstage backwards with their heels bumping along the floor, which prompted a totally inappropriate laugh from me, sorry to everyone.

"Who Am I?": Another case of end-of-number unintentional comedy as a gendarme holds out the handcuffs for Boyd to snatch when he runs after Cartell.

"Fantine's Death": I've seen the staging before where Valjean gets ready to dip partway through and has to be called back to the deathbed and—I'm sorry, this is a very moving duet, Cartell and Dortch did admirably, but that bit was funny.

"The Confrontation": The playbill lied! Unfortunately Boyd continues to do nothing for me and I'm neutral at best on the handcuff/chain choreography. The very brief choking laying him out has me dubious about his stamina.

"Master of the House": My awareness that I should feel that the use of the Thénardiers as comic relief cheapens their role in the novel as a complication of the inherent goodness of humankind and the redemption of the 'criminal class' vs eye-catching costuming and choreography, oh no. I enjoyed the hell out of this number, sometimes despite itself. There was a pegging joke, can I be blamed? Also, someone in the audience exclaimed in distress over the gag of a parrot being thrown into a meat grinder, bless them.

"The Well Scene": lay me out on the ground and cover me in dirt because I perished, I am too invested in these characters and Cartell brings such warmth to this scene.

"The Bargain": If you need me I will still be under my dirt over the continued sweetness of how Cartell plays his interactions with the little Cosette actor. It's my understanding he has children, and I'd be curious to know if his performances prior to becoming a father had this depth. I have always appreciated the impulse behind adding "Suddenly" to 2012, and I know that there are fans who feel it calls back to the novel meaningfully, but this production did fine with the material from the original libretto communicating the sense of Valjean's immediate devotion to this child.

"Look Down": Over twenty years listening to this musical and only at this moment do I realize that the meaning of the lines is "Lamarque is the only man who speaks for the people here below" and not "Lamarque is the only swell who runs the show". Shame. Because my brain is a Rat King of adaptations, Devin Archer's Enjolras reminds me distinctly of Yūji Kishi's.

"The Robbery": It didn't take more than hearing here you can always catch me out to know there was going to be a fucking killer rendition of "On My Own" in my future. It is difficult to sell me on Javert's line in this number without some bitchin' guitar as back-up, and honestly—I'm writing this two days later, I do not remember Boyd's clearly. Unfortunate.

"Stars": The crowd didn't trumpet quite so loud for this number as it did for "I Dreamed a Dream" and, later, "On My Own", but there was a big response, and—I don't know, I don't hear the vision. The use of street lamps in place of star imagery makes me wonder whether someone involved in constructing the set has been following @everyonewasabird's thoughts on the connection between those and police surveillance.

"Éponine's Errand": Half the theater was convinced at this point that we were at intermission o' clock, maybe because the most forward piece of stage machinery that closes had closed up? People stood up, we shuffled about, there was a surprised and flustered resettling when Mya Rena Hunter emerged with Cosette, now I remember!

"The ABC Café": Kyle Adams and the directing choices around Grantaire are both delightful and a distraction—like, sorry every other student, I didn't even try to keep track of who's who. There's something very lovely about being in a time and place that allows an explicitly gay reading of this story to be acted out on stage, that there's trust on the part of the cast and creative team in the audience feeling a connection to one man being a comedic tender mess at another.

"In My Life": Even if Brick Valjean never found his way to being honest with Cosette, Cosette would have been a healthier psyche were she able to express this level of frustration with her father, and I grant the slim chance he might've listened to her, some day. This exchange marks one of the big gaps between the musical and the book, IMO. None of which is relevant to this specific performance, they all have this. Cartell does an interesting thing here, either he was tired this night or a little off-balance or he was deliberately playing the character as having a limp or he'd forgot which bit of the play he was in and was moving like pre-Digne Valjean or he had not forgot at all and wanted the character to be, for a minute, like when he was feral and weary, in the beat between Delaney Guyer exiting and his following her off-stage.

"At the Barricade" (?): The bit where Éponine delivers the letter—return of the violence inherent to musical Valjean; this isn't the first one I've seen rough up Éponine a little, startled to find her outside the door, amped up by the awareness there's a threat lurking, and it's both outside the book character's nature and markedly more normal as human behavior. Cartell's voice pitches up all incredulous and alarmed on now that I know that you love me as well?, which got a cute audience reaction.

"On My Own": I thought the audience had demonstrated its greatest, loudest excitement over "One Day More", and I was VERY incorrect. Wailing whistling whooping excitement for Mya Rena Hunter, the roof near came off. By far the most intense reaction of the night even if not the longest.

"Javert's Arrival" / "Little People": I continue to be perplexed by the Grantaire & Gavroche side plot, but godspeed, I guess, I have no opinion one way or another for how that impacts reading any of the characters involved. It feels like this staging decided to put all its eggs in the Grantaire basket, so far as giving any of the Amis a reason to hold the audience eye.

"A Little Fall of Rain": There are so many people involved in producing and staging and acting Les Mis who know the theory and technique of theater better than I can ever hope to grasp, but: pulling the tied-up Javert back on-stage during the final moments of this number, disruptive movement and noise in the corner of the stage, feels like, hm. A decision being made that I do not understand.

"The First Attack": Boyd continues to have the erotic energy of an off-brand Ken doll, I don't in the least understand how tied up and manhandled and with Kyle Adams queening it up all over him that I get nada. Even Cartell tossing him up against a wall did nothing for me. More interestingly: the hesitation as the students decide how they feel about a restrained man being shot, the quiet before one of them thumps the butt of his gun on the ground and says—more or less, I forget the line—good job, is a curious, tense choice. The consensus among the Amis in the novel appears to be that Javert, as an agent of the state, a spy, has earned his execution just as much as Le Cabuc—and, given his capacity to inform against those who did leave the barricade, it's not unreasonable. All the same, it's uncomfortable, as a modern reader, and this production is giving us plenty of space to feel that emotion.

"Drink With Me": This was a crime against me personally, a gay not prepared to feel so strongly about Grantaire/Enjolras. Devin Archer reciprocates the care and attention Adams put into the dynamic to a degree that makes it read a lot more like a strained relationship than one-sided pining, which I'm fine with.

"Bring Him Home": As Cartell shivered through his last note, someone in the audience member lost their grip, they whooped like a hyena, brought me back to being a person and not just ears hanging on the climb and drop of the song. As a kid I always skipped "Bring Him Home" while listening to the soundtrack, put off by the softness, the pitch, and while I've grown to appreciate the skill that goes into it and feel far more deeply the summers die one by one, damned if I've ever got the song to the degree I get it now, having experienced it in person. & once the rest of us had got caught up with the hyena in the audience, worn ourselves out clapping and whistling, into the silence he gave another whoo whew!!, which prompted a laugh I think we all very well fucking needed.

"The Sewers" (?): Boyd took his hair down and now he's wild, good for him. Frantic, agitated, his scurrying bolting searching across the stage, the frustration with the sewer grate, he's lost his shit—I didn't expect him to bring any energy into the role, given I found him bland up to this juncture, but apparently he was saving all the interesting for the breakdown stage of being Javert.

"Dog Eat Dog": Low-key a favorite song of mine, probably for the same reasons that I listen to folk punk. Matt Crowle dropped the comedy utterly from the harvest moon shines down—it resonated, gave me a shiver.

"Javert's Suicide": Boyd redeems himself some—I will not be swayed, and unsteady on his feet. The aching vulnerability that Philip Quast brings to this number has not yet been unseated in my heart, and I've seen a clip of Tam Mutu in hysterics that was interesting and impactful, but this wasn't a bad take. There was an undignified quality to how he kept his knees bent after climbing up onto the parapet, a mimicry of that caution and fear of falling that is absurd in the context of a jump to death, that felt human and exactly as embarrassing as I want Javert's life to be. Now, unless you're going to break the actor I don't think there's a way to play the suicide that I'm not going to find comedic—I'm an unforgiving watcher—but they did their best.

"Empty Chairs at Empty Tables": Somewhere around here it was they lit the flame I began to hear sniffling and by oh my friends my friends forgive me it escalated to outright weeping. Big ol' butch bald man there with his girlfriend was two seats down from me and he utterly lost his shit during this number, bless him, and no wonder: Jake David Smith, who was a very charming Marius, you forgave him the stalking, but not particularly noticeable, all a sudden demanded our attention. I do wonder whether that audience member had lost friends, whether something about this spoke to him personally.

"A Heart Full of Love (Reprise)" / "Valjean's Confession": Throughout I debated whether Cartell's gait was a little odd, if I was misreading, if he was dragging his left foot, but here there's no doubt here, he's playing it up like he miscalculated his fluid intake and worked out hard, he's bodily fucked, Marius please lend this man your cane.

"Beggars at the Feast": Delaney Guyer pauses, uncertain, a flicker of fear, as she crosses close to Victoria Huston-Elem, and—listen, Hugo sure as hell doesn't ever give Cosette the space as an adult to so much as think about the Thénardiers, I don't know that I've seen it in any film adaptations, I hope it's out there in fandom but I'm in the wrong corner to know for sure (with one exception offhand), and it says how much I'm hungry for that deep-dive that seeing it acknowledged for ten seconds on stage has me writing in this tone about the topic.

"Epilogue: Valjean's Death": Cartell embraced Randy Jeter and I shed one (1) tear. Then he stopped, pulled away from being led to paradise to turn back around to Delaney Guyer to love another person is to see the face of God and—it's a cheesy line! it's absurd! it's not even Hugolian, goddamnit! the lyrics borrow a suspicious amount from Gillenormand! I refuse to provide you the tear count at this juncture.

"Finale": Dissociation! at the Broadway. Too fucking good for my brain to stay present.

In conclusion, were I to write the fic based off this one specific performance, which I have definitely not considered: I would proceed as firmly rooted in the musical as possible, and let be for the moment all those many Brick details in preference of saying: what are these characters doing? What did it mean for Cosette, to sometimes see from the corner of her eye her father with his sore leg dragging, his shoulders hunched, a feral dog light in his eyes? Was part of the strain in Grantaire and Enjolras' relationship that lingering attention Enjolras has for Marius, and does Marius ever think about the man whose ghost hesitated so long with his attention fixed on him? Do the Thénardiers circle back around, and how does Cosette reckon meeting her childhood nightmare as one woman to another? If I had no other context, I would say that Javert's breakdown is half at least about being held captive, with Jean Valjean a wretched complication—as he stood on the parapet, could he still smell the brandy on the breath of the murderous drunk who clutched arms around his chest, weighed down his back, all around them the gunfire and the smoke? Does Jean Valjean get to screw around with incredibly hot Myriel in the afterlife? This is not a musical experience that inspired fix-its; the dead are dead. It would have to be a story about ghosts.

[chic-a-gigot]

Cover details.

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—

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[head-post]

EP elections 2024: triumph of right-wing opposition, collapse of Greens, demand for change of course

Right-wing parties have made significant gains in the European Parliament elections. According to the first results provided by the EU, far-right parties will dominate the transnational parliament, while the Greens were the hardest hit.

French President Emmanuel Macron suffered a crushing defeat in exit polls, while Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party won a convincing victory that underlines her credibility as a candidate for the French presidency in 2027.

According to the first exit polls, the National Rally party won about 32 per cent of the vote, 10 points more than in the last EU elections in 2019, and about 17 points ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s party.

In Germany, the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party came second behind the opposition Conservatives with 16.5 per cent of the vote, up from 11 per cent in 2019, according to exit polls released by public broadcaster ARD. The Greens lost the most in Germany on Sunday, dropping 8.6 percentage points to 11.9 per cent. Voters penalised them for the cost of policies to cut CO2 emissions – in line with expectations for environmental parties across Europe.

In the Netherlands, where voting took place on Thursday, polls showed that nationalist Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration party would win seven of the 29 seats in the EU assembly, just one less than the alliance of the Social Democrats and Greens.

Meanwhile in Austria, the right-wing Freedom Party is the likely winner of the vote, according to a poll conducted over the past week and released after polls closed on Sunday night.

After the polls closed in Greece, the first exit polls show the ruling New Democracy party in first place with between 28 and 32 per cent. The Greek Solution party is gaining between 7.6 and 10 per cent, while the ultra-conservative Niki is on top with between 2.9 and 4.9 per cent.

Spanish exit polls show Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) vying for the top spot with the conservative Popular Party (PP).

According to a poll by Danish national TV channel DR, SF, the Socialist People’s Party, which in English is called the Green Left, will get the most votes – 18.4 per cent – and three of the 15 Danish seats in the European Parliament.

Pro-European coalition is still in place

On the other hand, the new balance in the EU parliament shows that a stable pro-European coalition is a realistic scenario, despite the rise of the far-right across Europe.

The centre-right EPP, the EU Socialists and the liberal Renewal could form a majority of 403 seats.

The election result raises the possibility that the EPP candidate Ursula von der Leyen will be re-elected as head of the EU Commission. Christopher Glück, managing director at the political analysis firm Forefront Advisers, told Euractiv:

“The majority of the centrist three looks pretty solid […] probably ahead of 410 seats.”

This year’s European Parliament elections are the first since Britain left the EU. In total, more than 360 million Europeans could vote in the election of 720 MEPs. This year’s vote was closely watched around the world. It is predicted that a strong electoral performance by the far-right could reshape alliances in parliament and dramatically change the future of the entire European Union.

Read more HERE